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Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

Some of you may aware of my Garrard 301 project, it’s now very close to completion. The plinth finally shipped from Hungry after 3 months of long wait.

Given my last experience with Hana Umami Red, I would like to take things to the next level. Which brings me to mating low output cart with a SUT. Every review I’ve read so far suggests when the SUT-MC match is right, the end result is heavenly. The bass is right, the midrange is clear, and most importantly, the highs are relaxed and extended—not rolled off.

I am not saying you can’t get great sound without a SUT but it appears with a properly matched SUT, sound can be quite magical.

Thought this would be the right time to get input from experienced users here since I am still contemplating my cartridge and outboard phonostage options.

My preference would be to go with a tube phono…I kinda miss tinkering with tubes :-)

My system, Garrard 301 (fully refurbished), Reed 3P tonearm, Accuphase E-650 with built-in AD50 analog board ➡️ Tannoy Canterbury’s.

Cart and phono under consideration through my dealer,

Fuuga - Output : 0.35 mVrms | Impedance : 2.5 Ω (1kHz)

Phonostage - Tron Convergence and Konus Audio Phono Series 1000

The cart - MC combination, I am lusting after is Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux MC with their Etsuro Transformer.
https://www.etsurojapan.com/product/bordeaux

The other transformer is EMIA, cooper or silver version.

Your input is appreciated!

lalitk

Showing 4 responses by vuch

vuch's avatar
vuch
142 posts
 

@mijostyn, thanks for the response. I've tried the other tube configuration you mentioned. I spoke with Keith Herron and ordered the 12AX7 tubes he recommended. There was more gain but I didn't like the sonic signature as much with them so I put the factory tubes back in. I forget the exact gain 64dB with factory setup? 

The recommendation for the TA Zeus is 100dB of gain.

Maybe different 12AX7's would be more to my liking? I tried some vintage Mullard's too but Keith's factory tubes sounded the best to me. 

vuch's avatar
vuch
142 posts
 

I have a buddy who tells me I need a STU. I don't know what to get. 

My gear is a Triangle Art Zeus cartridge, Herron VTPH-2 phono preamp, NAT Audio Symmetrical preamplifier. NAT Audio Magma M mono blocks and Magico A3 speakers.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

vuch's avatar
vuch
142 posts
 

@mijostyn, thanks for your thoughts/advice! I do love the sonics of my rig as it currently stands. I've tube rolled with my previous preamp and power amp. To my ears the VTPH-2a sounds best with the factory tubes.

My buddy who suggested that I get an SUT also has Magico speakers, S7's. He runs VAC 450i Statement IQ power amps, the matching preamp, a Ypsilon phono pre, AMG Viella TT. All of his cables, cartridges, SUT are in the same caliber as the rest of his gear. He has a solid state phono preamp that he wants me to try so I'm more inclined to do so now.

 

vuch's avatar
vuch
142 posts
 

@mulveling, thanks for your information. I just stumbled on your review of the Quadratic MC-1 SUT. 

As I've stated before I do love the way my rig sounds. However I have a lot of hum and at times notice some RF since adding a Triangle Art Maestro TT with the Horus 12" tone arm. I've been unimpressed with the service from its manufacturer. 

I'm wondering if adding the Quadratic MC-1 to the mix with my Herron VTPH-2A and using the MM taps would help? I use authentic Cardas Clear interconnects from the VTPH to the balanced line stage. The tonearm's cable is fixed and can't be changed.

I'm running a NAT Audio Symmetrical Balanced line stage, NAT Audio Magma mono blocks and Magico A3 speakers.

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